September 27, 2003 - Thirteen riders and one driver enjoyed a highly colorful day in the Gypsum Hills of Barber and Comanche counties. Bill Snyder and Clay Bastian of Wichita rode their BMW R100 GSs, Tom Harmon of Durham rode in on his KLR650, as did Steve Prewitt of Wichita. Riding Suzuki DRZ400s were Bill Lewton of Hutchinson, and Ken Meyer of Goddard. Sean Noll of St. Louis arrived on his Yamaha XT225, and Chris Greenhoot of Lawrence rode his KTM 620 RXC. Dave Dixon of Derby rode his KLR650, as did Nef Torres of Newton, Dennis Murray of Conway Springs, Brady Allensworth of Wichita, and Roger Baugh of Wichita. Mary Powell of Wichita drove her Honda CRV chase vehicle, a welcome addition to have along in this remote region of the state. (the two counties average a population density of 3.5 persons per square mile, including towns) Our off-highway journey started in Hardtner, KS .... which rests on the Kansas / Oklahoma state line. From Hardtner, we worked our way up to the ghost towns of Sexton and Aetna. We then rode into Comanche county and traveled minimum maintenance roads through some very picturesque valleys before turning north to Sun City ... and lunch at Buster's Cafe. After lunch, the group split-up into smaller patrols and headed their separate ways home. We had perfect weather, a spring-like profusion of wildflowers, and no difficulties whatsoever. A great ride to end the BT Kansas state-wide ride calendar year. Click on a thumbnail to view a larger image. Use your browser's "back" button, or the "left" arrow in the navigation bar to return to this page.

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